The Rules of Shotgun

I felt that I had to do an entry on this because this matter is pertinent to the advancement and survival of mankind. A set of standardised Shotgun rules are vital to creating and maintaining an advanced and civilised society. I hereby present the International Rules of Shotgun:

1. You must say the word "Shotgun" - You must say "Shotgun" clearly and loud enough to be heard at least by one other occupant of the vehicle to legitimately claim Shotgun. If no one hears you call Shotgun, it's still fair game.
2. The Deed must be done before Shotgun may be called - Shotgun may only be called after the Deed (any activity or objective that directly precedes the ride in the automobile) is done. The Deed establishes the Shotgun-calling time frame.
3. You must be outside to call Shotgun - Once the deed is done and you have exited the building, the time frame to call Shotgun begins. Not all passengers need to be outside for you to call Shotgun, but someone must have heard you for a legitimate claim. If the Deed is outdoors, the Deed must have been agreed to be completed for the time frame to begin.
4. The Barefoot Rule - You must have put on your shoes to call Shotgun. Grabbing your shoes and jumping in the car is an illegal move and does not apply.
5. The Re-Entry Rule - You must not re-enter the building. If you have re-entered the building, your claim on Shotgun becomes void.
6. The Line-of-Sight Rule - You can only call Shotgun when the vehicle is in sight.

Miscellaneous:

• You cannot call Shotgun once someone's hand is holding the shotgun door handle.
• You cannot call Shotgun if someone is already sitting Shotgun.
• If you try to open the locked Shotgun door while the driver is unlocking the door and so cause the door to remain locked, you are deemed to have voided the ride.
• If the vehicle is in a garage, then the Shotgun time frame is deemed to have begun when you enter the garage.
• If there are multiple vehicles, then Shotgun must be called by succeeding the word Shotgun with the driver's name, e.g. Shotgun Nick.
• If the Shotgun occupant exits the car, Shotgun is once more up for grabs.
• If a discrepancy ever occurs, it can be settled by rock, paper, scissors (or 1-2-jus).

Exceptions:

• A significant other gets automatic shotgun privileges.
• The owner of the vehicle gets automatic shotgun privileges.

(Source: http://www.shotgunrules.com/)